Recently the leaders of the Sweetwater District of the Boy Scouts of America celebrated a successful year of service to the youth of Douglas County. As the Boy Scouts of America approaches its Centennial celebration in 2010, the district recognized the work of the volunteers who make the program successful. The event was held at the First United Methodist Church in Douglasville.

The event began with a welcome and prayer by Rev. Elizabeth Lobello, associate pastor of the church welcomed the group, and Andy Finkle, district advancement chairman, was the emcee.

Recognized during the opening were the 13 Scouts within the district who have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout during the course of the year. Eagle Scout is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts organization and recognizes the hard work and dedication of individual Scouts.

The Scouts attaining the rank of Eagle in 2009 include: Troop 3 - Josh Fenimore; Troop 39 - Blake Edwards; Troop 228 - Emmitt McCurdy, Zackery Panse, Brandon Irvin, Thomas McIntyre, Ryan Brown, Scott Connor; Troop 610 - Justin Evans, Michael Hurtlen; Troop 745 - Ethan Doan, Michael Barron; and Troop 746 - Robert Knotts

The following leaders were recognized for their contributions to the Scouts in the district during the 2009 year:

District Award of Merit- This is the highest honor that a district can award. The recipient is recognized for noteworthy service to youth in Scouting, outside of Scouting, or both: Georgia Deakin (Pack 240) and Rae Dotson (Pack 745/746).

Scout Spirit- Awarded to any registered Scouter who has helped promote scouting in the district: Jessica Phillips (Pack 900).

Boy Scouter Award- Awarded to a Scouter who has actively worked to promote the Boy Scout program at a troop or district level:

James Hembree (Troop 900/District Camping Chair)).

Cub Scouter Award- Awarded to a Scouter who has actively worked to promote the Cub Scout program at a pack or district level:

Rae Dotson (Pack 745/746).

Venture Scouter Award- Awarded to a Scouter who has actively worked to promote the Venture Scout program at a troop or district level: Randall Wade.

Shining Light- Awarded to an individual, business, or organization that has helped the scouting program on a district level financially or materially, such as donating money, facilities, material goods for scout programs and/or projects: Douglasville Ward, Powder Springs Georgia Stake, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Douglas County Sheriff’s Department.

Scouting Family- Awarded to a family who works together to promote and help deliver the promise of scouting to their unit and/or community: The Delahoy Family (Richard and Theresa, Pack/Troop 555).

Hands on Award- Awarded to an individual or unit that goes above and beyond the call to take on a project and see it through without being asked: Troop 900, Dorsett Shoals Baptist Church; Scoutmaster – Phil Sims.

Ken Carlson Award – This is a Sweetwater District specific award, recognizing the “above and beyond” achievements of individual Scouters and the dedication to the Scouting program in the Sweetwater District: Larry Cohran (Venturing Crew 760, OA Advisor).

The District Committee for the coming year was installed , including new District Chairman Lenny Draper. Outgoing District Chair Johnny Barron, was also honored for his service to the district.

Sweetwater District is a part of the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The District represents Douglas County and serves youth from first-grade through 20 years of age in various programs, including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts and Venturing. More information on Scouting in Douglas County is available at www.sweewaterbsa.org.